Awareness of the pregnancy planning women about relationship between BMI, Obesity and Pregnancy

INTRODUCTION: Adequate knowledge about body mass index (BMI), which is a traditional method of measuring obesity, and about obesity-related pregnancy risks will possibly decrease obesity-related pregnancy complications in women contemplating pregnancy. In this study, we aimed to determine knowledge levels of women contemplating pregnancy about BMI and pregnancy risks related with obesity. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, our sample was 211 married women age 18 to 45 years old who visited a family physician in Fındıklı Center of Goitre Research and Treatment between June to August 2020. Patients completed the questionnaire including sociodemographic data, questions about BMI and questions about effects of obesity on pregnancy via the face-to-face interview method. The data was analyzed using statistical analysis program. RESULTS: The mean age of participants (n=211) was 31.7 ± 5.9 years. Of the participants, 40.3% (n=85) stated that they received pre-pregnancy counseling and 37.4% (n=79) had BMI score between 25 to 29.9. The mean BMI knowledge score of participants was 0.99±0.69 out of 5, and the mean BMI knowledge score of participants who received preconceptional counselling was significantly higher than those who did not (p=0.01). The mean BMI knowledge score of participants who stated 'high' or 'very high' risk level for each complication during pregnancy of a morbid obese woman was significantly higher than those of the remaining groups (p<0.05). In case of that a morbid obese woman loses weight before pregnancy, the mean BMI knowledge score of participants who stated 'lower' or 'much lower' risk level for each complication during pregnancy significantly higher than those of the remaining groups (p<0.05). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, we determined women who contemplating pregnancy had inadequate BMI knowledge levels, but had adequate awareness about effects of obesity on pregnancy and potential pregnancy risks related obesity. The conversation of family physicians about BMI with their patients will ensure them to realise their own weight as well as effective prevention and management of obesity, and will increase awareness of women contemplating pregnancy about obesity related pregnancy risks.